What is the Average Cost to Tow a Car?

Whether your vehicle just broke down or you’ve been in an accident, you might find yourself in a position requiring a tow truck. What is the cost of towing a vehicle and what can be done to save on costs?

This article will examine the average cost of these items in detail. In this article, we discuss the main factors that affect the cost and offer some tips on how to make your money go further. We also discuss why you might need to have your car tow and the additional services offered by these companies. 

What is the Average Cost of Towing a Car

You could spend anywhere from $40 to $150 for a five-mile tow truck. Towing companies charge $2-$7 per mile. This is in addition to the initial fee.  Prices are affected by the amount of distance covered, vehicle size and time of day. 

A short distance tow will cost you the most, typically five miles. A one-time fee for hooking up will apply, and can range from $35 to $75 in regular business hours. The per-mile fee must be paid in addition to this.

The insurance company may cover towing costs if the accident involved you in a vehicle crash. If you have roadside help, it may be possible to have the cost covered at least in part. The plans are available separately, or can be added to your purchase through your dealer. You may still need to pay a deductible if you have roadside assistance or your auto insurance. 

The Cost of Towing A Car is Influenced by Several Factors

1. Towing distance

Many tow trucks companies charge a minimal fee for their services. Other than that, they will calculate the remaining fees according to how far they travel. 

This covers fuel costs and allows the business to defray expenses. If you want to keep the cost to a minimum, you don’t want to tow the vehicle far. To get a better price, it is best to choose the nearest service center. 

If you are a mechanic and work on your vehicle yourself, it might be a better idea to get the car tow home. If you aren’t broken down near the house, you could be looking at a higher bill, but that money is saved by not using a mechanic. 

2. Car Size

You may be charged a fee by the towing company depending on which type of vehicle it is. Prices are usually based on passenger cars with four doors. If you drive a larger SUV or truck you might pay more.

For an over-sized vehicle, expect to spend at least $10 to $25 more. This extra cost is due to additional work required by the driver to secure the vehicle. 

3. Day Time

There’s going to be a dramatic cost difference based on the time of day. You will be charged the lowest possible rate if you call during business hours.

You will be charged a premium if towing is required after business hours. You might be charged an extra $150 to $200 by some companies for towing after-hours. Be sure to compare prices. 

4. Localization

You might save money if your car is in rural areas away from major cities. These companies don’t pay as much for rent and can charge a lower fee.

Towing in large cities will be more expensive. Everything costs more in the cities. 

Why you should be tow

Towing your vehicle is a necessity. Towing is a beneficial service when you can’t safely get your vehicle from one location to another. It’s possible that the car is completely unable to run or you don’t feel safe transporting it yourself. Towing is beneficial if the car won’t start or if the tires blow out. 

A tow truck is not necessary for every vehicle that has broken down. For example, if the car won’t start because the battery is dead, you can have it jumpstarted to get back on the road. You can also replace a flat tire with another one. Evaluate the need to have a tow truck come to determine if that’s the only option. 

Tow companies offer services

You might be surprised to learn that many tow companies provide more than just a tow. You can call the company when you need transportation from one place to another, but that’s not all you can get. For a small fee, many tow companies offer some form of roadside assistance. 

If your vehicle won’t start or has run out of fuel, you might be able to take advantage of some of these services:

• Gas delivery
• Jumpstart battery
• Car lockout service 
• Flat tire exchange
• Use a winch to free stuck cars

There are many services offered by each company. To determine what’s available to you, a call to the company is necessary. 

There are many ways to save money on your towing costs

1. Car insurance? Talk to us

Your insurance may cover costs for towing your car after an accident. Call your provider to see what’s available. 

You might also be eligible to choose roadside service as an option when choosing your policy. It can be a cost-saving move that saves you money when it comes time to have your car towed. Most providers aren’t going to charge a high fee, but you might have to pay a deductible when the service is actually requested. 

2. Roadside Assistance

If your auto insurance company doesn’t provide roadside assistance, there are other options available to you. Newer and Certified Pre-Owned vehicles often come with some sort of roadside assistance package, so check with your dealership about what’s available.

You have many options for auto clubs if that fails. AAA is the most popular provider. The AAA members club offers towing and emergency services. Prices vary depending on your location and what type of car you have. You could spend anywhere from $75 to $125 per year on this club membership. This also gives you discounts on products you use almost every day.

However, AAA isn’t your only roadside assistance option. Go ahead and shop around for the best price, just be sure you choose a reputable company that’s going to be accepted by local towing providers. 

3. Ask Credit Card Company

If you use a credit card, it’s possible that you have roadside assistance perks you don’t even know about. There are many credit cards that offer roadside assistance. These services can also be purchased for a nominal fee. If your company doesn’t provide this, it might be worth switching cards to another brand. 

You should read carefully the terms and conditions. It may be necessary to limit the number of calls you make. You could then be charged the full amount. Your credit card might offer discounts for the towing services, but not the entire bill. Even so, it is possible to save substantial money after everything has been paid. 

4. Look around for the best rates

It is a good idea to compare rates for any service. Towing companies often charge high prices because their services are needed in an emergency. If you take a moment to compare prices, it can help you save quite a bit. If your vehicle is safe, it's possible to take some time and make phone calls.

These companies could be called before an emergency occurs. It is important to get to know local companies so you can decide who to call in case of an emergency. You will be able to identify the local companies that are most cost-effective and have the best customer support.

How to Tow